Laurie Tingley, a second-grade teacher, said some students need the special seating more than others — and there are telltale signs.

"I usually notice that they're up, standing beside their desk, maybe sitting on their knees, jumping off their chair. But the stool helps them to sit quietly and focus back onto the task that they have," Tingley said.

If Laurie Tingley had her way, every student would have access to a wiggle stool. (CBC)

Put to good use

In a nearby classroom, Krista Royama's Grade 3 and 4 split class are also putting the stools to good use.

"In the morning, always, two people come and ask for the wiggly stools so they have them for the day," Royama said. "Not one day have they sat over there unused."

Royama would like to have more wiggle seats in her classroom, but at $270 each, they're a precious commodity. The money for Salem Elementary's stools came from school fundraisers.

Teacher Krista Royama said she likes the wiggle stools because they're quiet. 'They make no noise at all.' (CBC)

The Anglophone East School District, which oversees Salem, isn't sure how many wiggle seats are in use across the district; each school would have purchased the stools through fundraising, grants or donations.

Osborne, who was a school psychologist before opening her own practice, said it's a shame the cost can be prohibitive to some schools.

"I think that all schools should essentially have these or some type of stimulus that's going to help them. I would love to see all schools have them," she said.